1994 Toyota Tercel Base 1.2 SOHC (?)
Summary:
Great value for money, but watch out for minor electrical problems
Faults:
Very few problems, but those that I had seemed to come in groups. Rear main seal leaked at 65000.
Clutch wore out at around the same time (63K or so). Probably due to abuse in the first year or so I had it; it hasn't given any trouble since.
A few brake problems (dust buildups, alignment issues) recently, at around 130K.
Vinyl seats are a mess. It started with a couple small splits on the driver seat seams, and soon the whole thing was in tatters.
Various electrical problems - interior light works only in odd-numbered years, the backlight for the clock on the radio/tape player hasn't worked in 3 years, the tape player sometimes works and sometimes doesn't.
I have to replace one headlight a year or so. Seems a little too much to me.
General Comments:
Overall, I think this is a great car. Very low maintenance, and runs great.
The acceleration is surprisingly zippy for such a little engine. Handling is fairly good too, except on sharp curves where it tends to travel sideways :)
This car is kinda cramped for more than two people, but I'm usually the only person in it so I'm comfortable (I'm 6'2", 190lb).
I wish it had cup holders. Even one would be great.
The persistent electrical problems are annoying, but overall I love this car.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 30th September, 2003
3rd Jul 2003, 08:24
I bought a Tercel 94 DX about 8 months back. I think MOST TERCELS have an OIL LEAK problem. The same is with mine. I replace the oil EVERY MONTH. There is a rear main seal leak which costs about $350 to replace. (Labor is high as you have to separate the motor and transmission).
Other than the OIL problem, my alternator belt snapped TWICE, but not a major issue.
THE car is great on mileage and compared to most other Hondas, Nissans of that milelage (150K) I think tercel's pretty smooth!!
SEAN.